Camera shake is the enemy of any photographer. We all know a tripod will reduce Camera shake, but what do you do when one is not available? Here are some tips that will help you get in-focus images no matter what circumstances you may be dealing with.

Tuck in Your Elbows

When holding the camera, pull your elbows in towards your body so they rest against your chest. This will give your arms a foundation, so your hands don’t move around as much.

For even steadier focus, try exhaling completely before hitting the shutter. This will mean that even your breathing will be unlikely to cause unwanted shake.

Raise Your Left Shoulder

If you shoot with your right eye, raising your left shoulder will Reduce Camera Shake. If you shoot with your left eye, the right shoulder should be raised.

To get the steady effect, raise the shoulder high. Then brace your left elbow against your ribcage. For even more stability, pull your right elbow into your chest. Exhale completely and take your picture.

Create a Tripod with Your Knee

To create a tripod with your knee, sit down and bring your knee up. Then rest your elbow on it. Bring the other elbow in for even more support.

Sure, you may get a little dirty sitting on the ground, but the great image will make it worthwhile.

Lie on the Ground

This one will get you even dirtier, but it will provide more stability.

You will need to lie flat on your stomach and let the lens sit on the ground. Put your hand under the lens barrel or hood to keep it from tilting downward or create a fist to support it. The fist will elevate the lens more, so it really depends on the angle you are going for.

The Machine Gun Hold

This one involves holding your camera like a machine gun. You will need to hold your camera to your eye with your right hand. Then raise your left elbow so your lens barrel can rest on it. Place your left hand on your right bicep for added stability.

Cradle Your Camera

This one involves holding your camera by both the body and the lens in sort of a cradling position. It will work even better if you kneel down and rest your elbow on your knee, so it supports the hand holding the lens. This position is hard to change out of so it will be best if you are shooting a relatively unmoving object.

Camera shake can ruin your image. The tips in this article will help you keep your camera steady, even if you don’t have a tripod. Which do you think is best suited to your needs?

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